Feverish Toddler
My toddler is feverish today, one of those things I won't even bore the nurse screener at our pediatrician with. (With our first, we'd show up for every cold; by the time the doctor found us in the sick kid exam room, she'd be laughing her head off, as I muttered that she seemed very ill when I called; with the second, I don't even especially notice if he has a cold. For fevers, I might call, but I'm always being told "If that goes up to 105 degrees for about 3 days, then call us again" in a voice impatient at my worry.
But really, we are very lucky with our sicknesses. They generally appear as a strong but not painful reminder to slow down. My toddler slept all morning, then we went out to infect a few people at the Savory, and now he's sleeping all afternoon. He wants to be near me, having a foot touch me, or lay on my belly for a while, but he doesn't really get unhappy.
I remember days spent when my first was sick, just holding her in a rocking chair all day as she slept. These kids don't seem particularly sad or fussy when they are sick, just busy and tired, and wanting that ineffable parenting of being held or touched.
I get to alternate holding them while paying attention and holding them while reading. I've schooled myself to believe that in fact the nurse is right, there's nothing to be done and not much to worry about. Just hold them and allow the kids to heal on their own.
Comments
I will never admit to liking it when my 6-year old son gets sick, but before I understand that's what happening, and he's all cuddly and quiet and slow-moving, I lose myself in his affection and only in retrospect do I realize that I probably should have taken him to the doctor.
Posted by: Liesl | April 5, 2007 09:49 AM
I know a mom who told me (a little guiltily) that she actually likes it when her two very active boys get sick because it forces some down time for everyone.
That said, I hope he's on the mend soon.
Posted by: Steph Lovelady | April 4, 2007 07:52 PM